In the midst of diverse picturesque scenery, from the paddy terraces to the high arctic terrain, constant views of the world’s highest mountain range including Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiris. In the world’s deepest Gorge in the backdrop of traditional Buddhist culture, with charming villages in the ancient trans-Himalayan trade route, this is one of the classic and rewarding adventures in Nepal. The dramatic deep valleys and scenery of mountain landscapes, diverse climate and its rich vegetation makes this trip a memorable and truly awe-inspiring. Trekking northwards from the road head at Beshishar onwards, entering the gorge of the Marsyangdi River, which cuts through the great Himalaya chain of high peaks between the Annapurnas and Manaslu, creating a valley that transcend by the high pass of Thorang-La to the deepest gorge of Kali-Gandaki river Valley which again passes through the high mountain range of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, beginning this adventure from the low subtropics farmland of Nepal’s ‘middle hills’ into the high alpine region on the north side of the Annapurnas, which is the domain of Tibetan Buddhism culture making this adventure a very picturesque from every aspect of trekking environments.

The Chulus

These peaks form part of Manang Himal, which are quite rightly included in the larger Damodar Himal, the eastern limit of which runs south from Chako and Peak 6,687m in a north-to-south direction along the Hunlung Khola and Phu Khola (stream). To the south it is bounded by the Marsyangdi Khola and Mesoknata La. To the west its limit is the Kali Gandaki and to the north the Parchekya La (5,447m). There exists considerable confusion with regard to the name and location of the Chulu peaks and what summit actually constitutes Chulu West and Chulu East, since it soon becomes apparent to anyone that has climbed in the range that several other summits close by, which are actually part of the Chulu massif. For the sake of clarification, four summits can be included in the Chulu group, two which are possible on the permit for Chulu West and two on the Chulu East permit. What is apparent is that the available trekking map is highly misleading. The highest of these peaks, marked Chulu West (6,630m) on the trekking maps, has a recorded altitude from at least two expeditions of nearer 6,400m: this might be more accurately be called Chulu Central. The NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) gives this official altitude of 6,429 meters. South-east of this highest summit is a lower peak that can rightly be termed Chulu East. Most of the trekking maps give this an altitude of 6,200 meters (20,341ft), although the official height is 6,584 meters (21,601ft). However, continuing two miles east along the ridge is another peak, well seen from the airstrip at Ongre (Hongde) and separated from the East Peak by a col which is 5,608 meters (18,000ft). This summit has an attitude nearer 6,059 meters (19,880ft) and should really be termed Chulu Far East and many trekking agencies picture it in their brochures, mistakenly, as Chulu East. Chulu East (6,200 m.) is situated high above the Manang valley with breathtaking views across to the Annapurnas II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Manaslu. The climb is combined with the classic trek around the Annapurna massif, ascending the Marshyangdi valley and crossing the Thorung La, before descending the Kali Gandaki valley to Pokhara. The climb is technically straightforward and, you should be familiar with the use of your equipment, crampons, harness, ice axe, tying knots and handling climbing ropes. Most of the climbing will be involved walking roped together, including the glacial crossings. You should be very fit and have good experience of climbing.

Departure Dates

Spring/Autumn – 2014

15 March

to 06 April

20 September

to 12 October

Outline itinerary

Day 01

Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Day 02

Full day guided sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley

Day 03

Drive to Bhulbhule (840m) via Besisahar (760m)

Day 04

Trek to Bahundanda (1310m)

Day 05

Trek to Chamje (1430m)

Day 06

Trek to Dharapani (1860m)

Day 07

Trek to Chame (2670m)

Day 08

Trek to Pisang (3200m)

Day 09

Trek to Julu (3900m)

Day 10

Acclimatization day at Julu

Day 11

Trek to Chulu East Base Camp (4700m)

Day 12

Trek to Chulu High Camp (5300m)

Day 13

Contingency day

Day 14

Summit to Chulu East Peak (6584m) and retrace back to Base Camp

Day 15

Trek back to Manang (3540m)

Day 16

Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m)

Day 17

Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m)

Day 18

Trek to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong Pass (5416m)

Day 19

Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)

Day 20

Trek to Jomsom (2720m)

Day 21

Fly to Pokhara

Day 22

Drive to Kathmandu

Day 23

Final departure

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu (1300m) and transfer to hotel

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, we will be greeted by the office representatives, who will escort us to the hotel, where the Sherpa guide or office staff will give us a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Full day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu

After breakfast today it's time for a relaxed and easy guided tour of some of the many highlights of Kathmandu and the valley. We'll visit central Durbar Square at the heart of old Kathmandu and site of the ancient palace, the living goddess Kumari temple, Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandav temples. We'll also visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, with its fine views over Kathmandu and many interesting, features as well as the great spiral stupa itself. Join the pilgrims and saddhus (holy men) at Pashupati, one of the most important Shiva temples on the subcontinent on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Enjoy the ambience at Bouddha, one of the largest Buddhists stupas in the world and centre of the Tibetan community in Nepal. Later this afternoon return to the hotel and rest of your evening at leisure to rest and relax. Overnight in hotel

Day 03: Drive To Jagat (1300m) via Besisahar (760m) 09 Hrs

We ride to Jagat by private jeep. We stop at Besisahar for lunch which is 173km from Kathmandu and can be reached by 6 hrs bus ride, where we encounter our first permit check-point. To start with most of the trail is fairly flat until just after Besisahar when the track narrows and the valley becomes a deep river gorge and when reaches Besisahar and permit clearance, we further drive to Jagat passing Bhulbule and Syange. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

Day 04: Trek To Dharapani (1910m) 05 Hrs

From Jagat the path follows the river to the stone village of Chamje. By crossing suspension bridge on Marsyangdi river the path follows steadily uphill to Tal (1,675m), a small village at the foot of a large waterfall. Now the trek enters the Manang district. The trail crosses a wide, flat valley before climbing a stone stairway to 1,860m. The trail continues with several ups and down before halting at Dharapani and overnight at Dharapani or can decide to go Bagarchhap after half an hour walk. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

Day 05: Trek To Chame (2670m) 05 Hrs

This section of the trail offers rough and rocky climbing up to Tyanja at 2360m and then continues through pine and fir forest up to Chame (2685m.). Here is the headquarters of the Manang district. There are fine views of Annapurna II from Chame. Evening time explores the market and visit small natural hot spring and you can take a bath. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3200 M) 05 Hrs

The trail runs through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crossing a river on a long bridge at 3040m. Nearing the village of Pisang one has a view of the whole of the Manang valley, a wide U-shaped valley between two huge snow peaks. Lunch will serving at Dhukur Pokhari the perfect view of Mountain and pine forest. After an hour walk reaches at Lower Pisang and overnight at Hotel. You can visit same day to Upper Pisang village looks Tibetan types of houses and traditional people and finest monastery with amazing view of Annapurna range. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

Day 07: Trek to Julu (3900m) 05 Hrs

From Pisang trek continues on with grand views of the high snow capped peaks, and then climbing further up for half an hour to the top of the ridge where the scenery of the beautiful landscapes along with the first view of the Manang valley can be seen, a wide U shaped valley hanging between the two line of snow peaks. This grand spot offers dramatic views of the valleys, Hongdre village with its short air-strip and the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilocho, and on the right Chuli East, on the back Pisang peak. From Pisang, there are two paths that reach to Chulu Base camp and to Manang, depending upon the condition, from the suburb of Pisang village the road diverts up above the river Marsyangdi, which ever the route is taken both trail offers outstanding scenery of the surrounding landscapes and eventually joining the trail just above Nagawa village, the path from here leads north west on arid slopes and hills till a small village of Jhulu is reached for the overnight camp. Overnight at Tented Camp

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Julu

Rest day at Julu for proper acclimatization and local hike around, this rest day is a must as the altitude gets in and the air gets thinner. There are some good places around for short hike with superb views of the snow capped mountains.

Day 09: Trek to Chulu East Base Camp (4700m)

The walk from here leaves this last village and beyond towards complete wilderness on the barren landscapes with views of both Chulu and the Annapurnas. The walk meanders to a steep climb for an hour with few gradual portions on route the valley that runs up towards the col between the East and Far East Peaks of Chulu for the overnight camp and the Base Camp for the climb. Overnight at Tented Camp

Day 10: Trek to Chulu East High Camp (5300m)

From the Base Camp walk leads to an ill defined path and crossing the stream on the east bank and finally arriving at moraines below the col after three to four hours of strenuous walk. The high camp here forms a launching site for both the South-West Ridge of Chulu Far East and as well for our climb from the East Ridge of Chulu East Peak. Overnight at Tented Camp

Day 11: Contingency Day

Today is an important day for proper acclimatization for the climb. Today the climbing Sherpa will scout the route of the climb and fix ropes where necessary for the next day climb. Of if possible and the weather permits then you will get ascent over the Peak. Overnight at Tented Camp

Day 12: Summit to Chulu East Peak (8584m) and retrace back to Base Camp

The route continues up the snow ridge ahead to the summit which is exposed at first but is climbed without much difficulty. On reaching the top great panoramic views of the surrounding snow capped mountains and the valley down below. After a wonderful moment on the top of the summit, then descend back to Base Camp for the overnight. Overnight at Tented Camp

Day 13: Trek back to Manang (3540m)

From the Base Camp trek continues on with grand views of the high snow capped peaks, and descending steeply. The trek is more or less gradual on the wide path most of the way to Manang via the village of Braga, with time to spend the morning visiting Braga Monastery. The largest in the district, it has an outstanding display of statues, thangkas and the religious manuscripts. From here it is only an hour walk to Manang. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka (4020m) 04 Hrs

The trek now begins an ascent of almost 2000m to Thorung La. From Manang village the trail crosses a stream before climbing to Tenki Manang. We then continue to climb the Marsyangdi valley, passing the small village of Gunsang may have stop for tea or drinks for the Himalayan scene. After crossing a large stream that flows from Chulu west and Gundang, the trail passes an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow at 4000 m. beyond here is Yak Kharka, also known as Koche.Overnight at Teahouse

Day 15: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4430m) 03 Hrs

After an hour we reach Letdar (4250m). From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310m. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before heading to Thorung Phedi. Overnight at Teahouse

Day 16: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong-La Pass (5416 M) 07 Hrs

Phedi, which means ‘foot of the hill’, is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb. The trail becomes steepest immediately after leaving Thorong Phedi, and takes four to five hours from Thorung Phedi to the pass. Thorung-La pass with its traditional Chorten prayer flags is at an elevation of 5416m which is the highest point during your trip. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are of outstanding high Himalayan scenery. One can see to the South the entire Annapurna range, a heavily glaciated peak, the barren Kaligandaki valley far below to the West and the peak of Thorungtse (6482m) to the north. The trail descends to Muktinath with a nice mountain desert view of Upper Mustang part from here. Overnight at Teahouse

Day 17: Trek to Kagbeni (2800m) 04 Hrs

We will wake early in the morning to the divine sound of a temple bell, and visit the famous pilgrimage center to Muktinath Temple area. After breakfast, it is an easy trek down to Kagbeni. The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor. The descent is through a dramatic, arid landscape all the way to Kagbeni. To reach Kagbeni one must travel on either side of the Kali Gandaki River. The left fork continues up the river to Kagbeni. Late afternoon, we will visit a two hundred years old monastery, and visit the small alley ways in the village. Overnight at Teahouse

Day 18: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) 04 Hrs

Trek onwards to Jomsom and further to Marpha village, a major village on the Kaligandaki trading route. This is very windy path and cross before noon following the downstream of Kaligandaki (Holy River) with different views of mountain and sandy path. Visit Marpha village with Monastery, Apple Brandy factory and around. Overnight at Teahouse

Day 19: Fly to Pokhara (820m) 25 Min

As per your flight schedule in the morning, you will fly to Pokhara. As you land in Pokhara, we will be transferred to hotel for relax and refreshment. Overnight in Hotel

Day 20: Drive back to Kathmandu

After a wonderful time in the mountains, Pokhara is certainly great spot to relax after the trek and swap stories with fellow trekkers. After breakfast, we will board the bus for the 5- 6 hour scenic journey back to Kathmandu.Overnight in Hotel

Day 21: Transfer to airport for final departure

Keep the departure time of international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy! Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.

The Company is not liable for any refunds after the departure date of the scheduled itinerary.

Cancellation should be made 48 hours before departure and a 40% cancellation charge is approved besides tax, transportation and permit. See specific information below.

No refund will be given if the program ends before the provided itinerary date.

The Company is not to be held responsible for your early termination of a trek should our experienced leader feels it is unsafe for you to continue due to fitness and/or health issues

The Company is not liable for an unconvinced or rescheduling due to natural, political or bureaucratic circumstances

The Company is not responsible for delays caused by local weather conditions resulting in international flights being missed

The Company is not responsible for the financial implications of rescue. Please ensure you have the appropriate insurance to cover these situations before you arrive in Nepal

Our staffs are very experienced in leading treks at all altitudes. It is their responsibility to ensure your safety, their conclusions regard safety are final and should you not follow their advice the Company cannot be held responsible for the outcome.

If you wish to cancel your trip for any reason the following scale of charges will apply: